NEW BRUNSWICK – Rumon-Fair Haven’s feat of capturing its fourth state championship in as many years was summed up in one moment as the clock hit zero last Saturday.
“This is how I wanted to go out, and I’m happy that we ended this way,” Ruane said after the 27-22 victory over South Plainfield in the Central Jersey Group 3 Championship. “I wouldn’t want to go out any other way.”
What a season it was for the Bulldogs, who finished the year at 9-3, and are bringing their fourth straight state title back home to Rumson.
A core member on each of those teams, Ruane had become known as one of the most feared defenders in the Shore Conference. The aggressive linebacker has climbed over the century mark plateau for tackles in his senior season, and will be moving to the University of Massachusetts to continue his football career once December classes conclude.
“It’s surreal, to put it into words,” Ruane said. “I’m pretty star-struck that this is probably the last time we’ll play together as a group. Some guys are closer than others, but this is a cool feeling, and it’s good to get it with these guys, guys I’ve known from freshman year and eighth grade.”
South Plainfield sure came to play Saturday evening, as they took a 14-0 lead on RFH through two quarters of play. Admittedly, the Bulldogs seemed to start the game flat, trying to set the passing game up early on with little success.
Though, their ace-in-the-hole – a dominant run game from senior quarterback Michael O’Connor and senior running back Matt Vecchiarelli – was their key to finding the win.
“The O-line was ridiculous, sealing everything for me and just me being able to get through the hole and use my speed in the open field,” Vecchiarelli said.
Finding running lanes behind the imposing No. 76, senior Tim Leonard, the QB/RB combo combined for 301 rushing yards, dominating the run game throughout the contest.